iPolitics AM: Trudeau to outline support for global vaccine research at EU-hosted ‘pledging marathon’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on March 31, 2020 to speak about the government's measures to help Canadians with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Meade/iPolitics

Before heading to his now familiar spot on the steps of Rideau Cottage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to hit the virtual stage for the launch of a “worldwide pledging marathon” that aims to raise $11.5 billion to develop an “effective … available and affordable” coronavirus vaccine, as well as other diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

Over the weekend, “European leaders” — including German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Emmanuel Macron — “pledged to raise billions of pounds” to fund vaccine research, the Guardian reported on Monday.

According to his official itinerary, Trudeau is booked in for a morning appearance at the online conference to “deliver remarks on Canada’s commitment towards the fight against COVID-19,” as well as outline how many millions of dollars Canada is prepared to contribute to the campaign. (9 AM)

Later this morning, he’ll hold his daily media briefing, where he should expect to field a fresh flurry of questions on the tentative timeline for lifting the Canada-wide lockdown, a process that is already underway in some provinces and territories, while others are planning to roll out the first phase of their respective reopening plans this week. (11:30 AM)

Back in the precinct, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer will host his own mid-morning press briefing at the West Block media theatre, where, as per the advisory, he’ll share his thoughts on Team Trudeau’s response to the pandemic, as well as “its impact on Canadian families, workers and businesses.” (10 AM)

UPDATE – Also making the rounds via webcam today: Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who will dial into a “virtual event” to mark UNESCO World Press Freedom Day. (11 AM)

ON THE VIRTUAL COMMITTEE CIRCUIT

House Speaker Anthony Rota makes a return appearance at PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS to update members on the ongoing push to ensure MPs can continue to carry out their core parliamentary duties during the COVID-19-imposed lockdown. Also on the remote witness list for today: The International Association of Conference Interpreters, as well the Canadian Association of Professional Employees Local 900, which represents the federal translation bureau. (2 – 5 PM)

Over at INDUSTRY, representatives from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Beef Farmers of Ontario, the Dairy Processors Association of Canada and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture offer their respective perspectives on the government’s response to the virus. (6 – 8 PM)

Finally, GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS members get briefed on various COVID-19-related expenditures by senior officials from TREASURY BOARD and FINANCE. (2 – 4 PM)

Due to the ongoing parliamentary shutdown, most House and Senate committee meetings are suspended until regular sittings resume.